Pre-Match Report
“We'll give it our all” – anticipation builds for the crunch match against Bayern
The scenario
Second-placed BVB will host FC Bayern Munich at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. After last week's draw in Leipzig, the Black & Yellows are eight points behind the leaders. BVB have collected a total of 52 points so far, which would have been enough to top the table in half of all seasons since the introduction of the three-point rule.
The Black & Yellows are the only team yet to suffer a home defeat in this Bundesliga season. In fact, they have lost only one of their last 31 games, which was this season's reverse fixture in Munich.
The opponent
While BVB regularly collect points at home, FC Bayern Munich are the only Bundesliga team without an away defeat. Bayern have won away nine times this season, with two away games ending in draws. One reason for this is their attack, with Bayern having already scored 85 goals this season, which is a new Bundesliga record after 23 matches. “FC Bayern Munich are a top team that will demand everything from us. We have to play to our very best from the first to the last second, because that's the ultimate in Europe,” said Kovac.
BVB lost the reverse fixture 1-2 but came close to equalising after improving during the match. “We have to take the second half in Munich as an example. We did well there,” said Kovac, who set the tone for the next match: “We have to be brave in possession and keep hold of the ball for long periods. But it also depends on the opponent, who will certainly want to impose their game on us. It will be a very intense game over 90 minutes.”
Personnel matters
Nico Schlotterbeck was back in the squad for the Champions League match in Bergamo after his injury, but did not play. “Schlotti is ready to play from the start,” said Kovac. Captain Emre Can returned straight to the starting line-up in Italy. “Emre played again after a long time. He coped well and is ready to play,” said Kovac, who will have to reshuffle his defence as Julian Ryerson is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. The two centre-backs Niklas Süle and Filippo Mane are still unavailable.
Despite the strain of the week, Kovac believes his team is well prepared. “We have a team that is very fit. Sure, it was a very intense game, and it was also a very intense game mentally. But we will put 11 lads on the pitch who will give everything,” explains Kovac. “They will try everything to defeat the German champions here in our stadium with our fans.”
Two at the top
Munich and Dortmund currently occupy first and second place – as has so often been the case in recent years. If the teams finish the season in these two positions, it will be the tenth time this has happened. The first time was in Dortmund's championship season in 1995/96, and the last time was in the 2022/23 season.
The two currently have a combined 112 points (Munich 60, Dortmund 52). Only twice before have the top two had a better combined points tally: in 2015/16, Bayern and BVB collected 116 points together, and in 2023/24, Leverkusen and Bayern had 114 points.
Christina Reinke
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